We Have Heard With Our Ears, O God
Devotional
Companion to the Psalter
A Devotional Guide to the Psalms
Object:
We have heard with our ears, O God,
our ancestors have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days ...
In God we have boasted continually ...
Yet you have rejected us and abased us ...
Because of you we are being killed all day long,
and accounted as sheep for the slaughter ...
Rise up, and come to our help.
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
-- Psalm 44:1, 8a, 9a, 22, 26
Theme: A defeated nation cries out to God
Outline
1-3 -- We have been told of your mighty acts in days of old.
4-8 -- It was you who brought us those victories.
9-16 -- But now you've humiliated us!
17-22 -- We really don't deserve this.
23-26 -- Wake up! Do not cast us off forever!
Notes
• National Lament
• Israel has often been a victorious warrior. Now she must serve God in defeat -- a suffering servant!
For Reflection
• Passing on the Bible stories is still extremely important (v. 1). Why?
• Are there times when defeat, not victory, is the will of God? (v. 9). Or, is God always "on our side"? If so, in what way?
• "There is a time for every matter under heaven ..." says the preacher (Ecclesiastes 3:1). For defeat and humiliation, too? If so, why?
• When our expectations of God are disappointed, what are we to do? When faith and circumstances are in conflict, and we cannot understand God's dealing, what are we to do? What did the psalmist do?
• What does God ask of us -- success or faithfulness?
Prayer
Lord God, your prophets and apostles have told us the wondrous deeds you have performed. Your power and your love are greater than all the forces of the universe. Forgive us for trusting in armaments and war more than we trust you and your mysterious ways. Give us love of truth and the faith and humility to live with it, until you bring us to that glorious day of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
our ancestors have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days ...
In God we have boasted continually ...
Yet you have rejected us and abased us ...
Because of you we are being killed all day long,
and accounted as sheep for the slaughter ...
Rise up, and come to our help.
Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
-- Psalm 44:1, 8a, 9a, 22, 26
Theme: A defeated nation cries out to God
Outline
1-3 -- We have been told of your mighty acts in days of old.
4-8 -- It was you who brought us those victories.
9-16 -- But now you've humiliated us!
17-22 -- We really don't deserve this.
23-26 -- Wake up! Do not cast us off forever!
Notes
• National Lament
• Israel has often been a victorious warrior. Now she must serve God in defeat -- a suffering servant!
For Reflection
• Passing on the Bible stories is still extremely important (v. 1). Why?
• Are there times when defeat, not victory, is the will of God? (v. 9). Or, is God always "on our side"? If so, in what way?
• "There is a time for every matter under heaven ..." says the preacher (Ecclesiastes 3:1). For defeat and humiliation, too? If so, why?
• When our expectations of God are disappointed, what are we to do? When faith and circumstances are in conflict, and we cannot understand God's dealing, what are we to do? What did the psalmist do?
• What does God ask of us -- success or faithfulness?
Prayer
Lord God, your prophets and apostles have told us the wondrous deeds you have performed. Your power and your love are greater than all the forces of the universe. Forgive us for trusting in armaments and war more than we trust you and your mysterious ways. Give us love of truth and the faith and humility to live with it, until you bring us to that glorious day of Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.